Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has assured residents of Ibadan metropolis that the challenge of indiscriminate dumping of refuse will soon be permanently resolved.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday while speaking at the wedding ceremony of Moyosore Ayorinde, daughter of the Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, and Oladipo Michael Sadipe, son of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tolu Sadipe. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde acknowledged that waste management has remained a major challenge in the state, particularly in Ibadan, noting that his administration has been grappling with the problem since inception.
He apologised to residents over the current state of refuse disposal in the metropolis, assuring them that a lasting solution would soon be implemented.
“Passing through Ibadan, you will see a lot of waste all over. It is a problem we have been dealing with. It has taken me six years and it has still not been solved, but I promise you that the problem will be solved and be solved for good,” the governor said.
While congratulating the newly wedded couple and their families, Makinde described their union as a symbol of unity beyond political affiliations, noting that politics should not be taken as a do-or-die affair.
Highlighting the different political backgrounds of the two families, he said, “Honourable Sadipe is of the APC. Chief Bolaji Ayorinde is of the PDP. So, for those of you that will kill for us politicians, this is an example that you should not kill yourself. Politics is a game, but governance is not a game.”
He also offered marital advice to the couple, stressing the need for understanding, shared aspirations and compromise in building a successful home.
In his sermon during the solemnisation, the Bishop of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, The Most Revd Joseph Akinfenwa, commended Governor Makinde for what he described as his uncommon leadership style and impactful governance, noting that his legacies would endure in the state.
The bishop also charged the couple to embrace love and forgiveness, describing forgiveness as a foundation for a godly and peaceful home.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ondo State Governor, Chief Segun Mimiko; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; wife of a former Oyo State Governor, Ambassador (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi; Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); Chief Niyi Akintola; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Olumide Akpata; and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Members of the governor’s entourage included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant (General Duties), Chief Bayo Lawal; Director-General, Oyo State Bureau of Public Procurement, Ms Tara Adefowope; Co-Chairman, Elders Council, Elder Wole Oyelese; Executive Assistant on Administration and General Services, Rev’d Idowu Ogedengbe; commissioners and other top government officials.
